Insights

SILICA SANDS TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN TRANSITION TO NET-ZERO

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” — Thomas Edison, 1931.

Australia’s silica sand is set to play a critical role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy, calling for the accelerated development of high-purity sources of this sought-after mineral.

According to IMARC, the global silica sands market could grow from US$8 billion in 2019 to US$20 billion in 2024 .

Research shows just one kilogram of polysilicon — a refined material made from Silica — saves more than 7,000 kilograms of C02 emissions during the lifetime of a solar panel, and increasing the development of solar panels could reduce C02 emissions by 21 per cent by 2050. Solar power technologies could cover a quarter of the global electricity needs by mid-century — becoming the second largest generation source after wind .

Global interest in reducing carbon emissions has resulted in a significant demand for solar power installations and is expected to translate into extensive use of high-purity silica sand. The Asia Pacific region accounts for 47 per cent of global demand for silica sand and it has seen a boom in solar panel sales around the world as countries move toward green and zero-emissions economies .

High-purity silica sand is used in the production of not only solar panels, but also flat glass, container glass, fibre optics, LCD panels, LED lights and even medical vials used to store vaccines — an essential item only required further due to our current climate.

Metallica Minerals’ silica sand project situated at Cape Flattery, Queensland is globally-recognised for its high purity silica sand and superior location — home to one of the most prolific silica sand mines in the world.

Australian silica sand companies like Metallica Minerals are positioning themselves to take advantage of the increasing demand for high-purity silica sand.

Importantly, mineral sands are collected using simple earthmoving methods that minimise land disturbance and involve progressive rehabilitation that ensures the timely restoration of the landscape.

As demand increases for our sustainable, superior and sought-after silica sand, Metallica Minerals is keen to play its part in the global green economy.

1. IMARC Group, 2021
2. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
3. Freedonia Group